Choosing a Computer

I've told you that almost any computer ”even an older one ”can be used to get on the Internet, and that's true. But to take full advantage of what the Internet offers, you need a top-of-the-line computer, or pretty close to it.

You see, some Internet tasks , such as email, demand little processing power from a computer and don't require a really fast Internet connection; they're neither processor-intensive nor communications-intensive. However, the main thing most newcomers to the Net want is access to the Web, and browsing the Web is just about the most processor-intensive, communications- intensive thing a computer can do.

To take full advantage of the Web, a computer must be able to display and play the multimedia content ”graphics, animation, video, and sound ”that's increasingly built in to Web pages. Such tasks require a fast processor and plenty of memory. In fact, a Web browser capable of supporting this multimedia is about the most demanding application you can put on a PC or Mac, requiring more processing power and memory than any word processor or spreadsheet on the market.

In addition to the multimedia, more and more Web pages feature programs (more about that later) that enable all sorts of advanced Web activities (see Figure 2.1). To run the programs in Web pages, your computer must use a fast 32-bit processor (such as a Pentium or better) and operating system (such as Windows 98/Me, 2000, or XP), which have been available in PCs and Macs for only the last few years . As a rule, a PC that cannot run Windows 95 or higher, and a Mac that cannot run System 7.5 or higher, cannot run Java programs or the browsers that support the programs.

Figure 2.1. To enjoy the multimedia and Java content built in to many Web pages today, you need a powerful, well-equipped computer and a fast modem.

Java is a programming language specially designed for use in computer networks, such as the Internet. On the Web, programmers add Java programs to Web pages to enable the page to do stuff it couldn't do otherwise , such as collect and process order information for an online store or make images dance around the page. Java makes the Web more powerful and interactive, but also more complex and demanding.

What about notebooks and other portable computers? No problem. Notebook PCs, Mac notebooks , and other portables make perfectly good Internet computers, as long as they meet the same general requirements (processor, modem speed, and so on) that a desktop computer must meet, as described later in this chapter.

Note, however, that a portable computer always costs much more than a desktop computer with the same specifications. Also, some portables with otherwise acceptable specifications might have screens that are too small for comfortable Web browsing; any screen that measures less than 12 inches diagonally is probably too small, unless you have really, really, really good glasses .

Any size screen is fine, however, for email and other text-based, off-the-Web Internet activities. That's especially handy when you use a handheld PC or "palmtop" computer to access the Net on the go.

Finally, newer , more powerful computers are required to run the newest, most advanced operating systems, such as Windows XP on the PC or OS X on the Macintosh. These operating systems have been designed with the Internet in mind, making setting up your computer for the Net much quicker and easier.

Again, you can get a lot out of the Internet on a less capable computer ”you just won't see or hear what your computer can't handle. But the bottom line is this: Most of the exciting innovations on the Internet, now and in the future, are designed for use by the newest, most powerful computers. So if you're shopping, aim high. And if you're standing pat now with an older machine, forge ahead with the understanding that your Internet experience is not going to be all that it might be.

A PC for the Internet

To make the most of today's Internet, the minimum reasonable PC would be equipped as follows :

• Processor ” A Pentium processor (or Pentium equivalent, such as the Celeron, AMD K6, or Athlon) is recommended for its capability to support the preferred operating systems listed next ; look for a Pentium rated at 500MHz or faster (even 1GHz processors are very affordable now). The latest Pentium version is Pentium 4.

• Operating System ” Windows 95, Windows 98/Me (Millennium Edition), Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows NT are all fine choices. On all these Windows versions, except some installations of Windows 95, you'll find a built-in Web browser (Internet Explorer) and an easy-to-use program for setting up your Internet connection.

• Display ” The ideal display for Web browsing is configured to run at 800x600 resolution and 16,000 colors (also known as high color, or 16-bit color). Higher-color modes, such as 24-bit color (millions of colors; often called true color ), are fine, but little online requires those modes. Web designers are increasingly moving to a 1024x768 resolution, but most Web pages today are still designed to look their best when displayed at 800x600. If the prices are similar, you might want to look at a 1024x768 display.

• Memory ” If you're running Windows Me or XP, at least 128MB of RAM is recommended to support Windows and a browser. A reasonable minimum for older versions of Windows, such as Windows 98, would be 64MB. The software package's box may indicate a lower minimum, but experience teaches us that the minimum is almost always insufficient for decent performance and reliability.

• Hard Disk ” I can't tell you how big your hard disk should be, because I don't know how much other software you have. I can tell you that, after you've set up all of your Internet software, your hard disk should be at least 50% empty. Windows Web browsers need lots of free disk space for temporary data storage; when they don't have enough, performance and reliability suffer.

• CD-ROM Drive ” A CD-ROM drive is not required for any Internet activity. However, you might need one to install the Internet software you need to get started, if you acquire that software on CD. For installing software, the speed of the CD-ROM drive is unimportant; any drive will do. Every new computer comes with a CD-ROM drive, anyway.

• Other Peripherals ” There's plenty of fun sound and music online these days, and to hear it you'll need a sound card and speakers (or headphones) installed in your PC and configured in Windows. If you plan to create your own Web pages, a scanner or digital camera is a useful addition.

A Mac for the Internet

To make the most of today's Internet, the minimum reasonable Macintosh system would be equipped as follows:

• Processor ” A PowerPC-based Mac (such as the iMac) is recommended. Anything older than that won't support today's Web browsing.

• Operating System ” OS9 or OS X is recommended. They have a built-in, easy-to-use routine for setting up your Internet connection; built-in Java processing; and a complete set of Internet-client programs.

• Display ” The ideal display for Web browsing is configured to run at 800x600 resolution and 16,000 colors (also known as high-color or 16-bit color ). Higher-color modes, such as 24-bit color (millions of colors; often called true color), are fine, but little online requires those modes. A resolution of 640x480 is an acceptable alternative, but most Web pages are designed to look their best when displayed at 800x600.

• Memory ” Consider 64MB the workable minimum for Web browsing on any Mac.

• Hard Disk ” Should be large enough to leave at least 25% free space after you have installed all your software.

• CD-ROM Drive ” A CD-ROM drive is not required for any Internet activity. However, you might need one to install the Internet software you need to get started, if you acquire that software on CD. For installing software, the speed of the CD-ROM drive is unimportant; any drive will do.

• Other Peripherals ” If you want to make a long-distance phone call through the Internet or have a voice conference, you'll need a microphone hooked to your Mac, and for videoconferencing, you'll need a Mac-compatible video camera. If you plan to create your own Web pages, a scanner or digital camera can be handy.

If you're considering a Mac for the Net and have high-speed Internet service available via your cable TV supplier (see Chapter 3), I should point out that most new Macs ”including that cute little fruit-colored iMac ”come equipped with the communications hardware required for using a cable modem. Most PCs do not include this hardware, which you must then purchase (or rent from the cable company). However, more and more PC manufacturers are including Ethernet cards preinstalled , which allow for high-speed Internet access.

Internet Appliances

Over the last couple years, a whole new category of computer device has emerged, sometimes called a Net appliance, or Internet appliance.

Essentially a PC stripped down to the components required for Net surfing, a Net appliance is generally less expensive than a full-blown PC, and smaller and more stylish than most PCs, as well. Most often, Net appliances have flat LCD screens (like those used in notebook PCs) and are designed for those who want to use the Internet but do not need a computer for any other purpose.

Their affordability made them quickly popular. While some models were available for less than $200, others can be had for free at this writing, as long as you agree to a three-year connection package with the Microsoft Network. Like most technologies, this market was quick to develop. Some of the major players, however, have also been quick to pull out.

One of the first companies to offer an Internet appliance, Netpliance, still offers its "i- opener " but has announced a new direction for the company. And 3Com, maker of the popular Palm handheld devices, announced the demise of its Audrey device in the first quarter of 2001.

There are still some good options out there, however, and they are worthy of consideration if you xwant a computer to use on the Internet but do not need to use that computer for any other reason, such as word processing. Some folks who have full-blown computers may purchase Net appliances so they can have a second Internet machine in a bedroom or the kitchen. (It's a pretty inexpensive machine for the kids to use for games or homework research while another child can use a "real" computer to write a paper.)

Besides being incapable of taking on non-Internet computer tasks, a Net appliance may prove difficult or impossible to upgrade as Internet technology evolves and may limit the range of client software you may use, as well.

Compaq's iPaqs

Compaq offers two different iPaq models, retailing for around $500 at this writing. Both can be significantly reduced through various rebates, including the aforementioned MSN Internet access agreement.

Both come with a monitor and a wireless keyboard (see Figure 2.2). The more-expensive model offers a space-saving flat-panel monitor, but it is a markedly smaller screen than the cheaper, bulkier unit.

Figure 2.2. The iPaq is an attractive alternative to a full-blown PC for some people.

These machines allow you Internet access at the touch of a button, and have enough expandability to include a port for a printer, for example. So it's plenty powerful enough for handling your emailing, shopping, or general surfing needs.

MailStation

If email is your primary reason for wanting connectivity, then MailStation is a good option for you. For $99 (at this writing) plus a $9.95/month connection fee, you get a keyboard attached to a tiny LCD screen (see Figure 2.3). It basically resembles a handheld device, such as a Palm, with a keyboard attached. This is the absolute bare minimum in Internet connectivity, but for many people, it's all they need.

Figure 2.3. MailStation allows quick access to email in a tiny package.

Who does the MailStation unit fit? Well, think about Grandma. Maybe she lives on the other side of the country or maybe she winters in Florida. The thought of a full-blown computer intimidates her. With MailStation, she can take the unit with her to her winter home, plug her phone into it and be corresponding with the grandkids before you know it.

What You'll Miss with an Internet Appliance

Internet appliances like those previously mentioned are great for people with specific needs: You're on a tight budget, you just want email, you want a cheap second machine, and so on. But there are major drawbacks for people who have other computing needs.

We all know a person or two who had a computer eat a file somewhere along the lines and has decided they have no place in their lives. Then the email arrives with an attached picture of the new niece or nephew. Sure, you can view it on the appliance, and even forward it to other family members . But when you decide you want to put your little one's photo out to friends , well, you're out of luck.

The key factor missing is that you can't manipulate files on an appliance. There's no saving, editing, copying, or anything. You can't install new software and it's difficult to upgrade to the latest technologies. It won't be long and the Internet will outpace your equipment.

They do make a nice second machine, because they are inexpensive and can offload some of the demand for screen time in a one-computer family. But before you buy one as your only Internet connectivity, be sure that what you're getting is all you'll need for a while.

Other Internet Options

The overwhelming majority of folks just getting online now are doing so through their own, personal Mac or PC, at home or at work. That's the main scenario, and that's where much of this book's focus will rest.

However, I should point out that there are many, many folks online who are not using PCs or Macs or are not even using their own computers or signing up with an Internet provider. Here are a few ideas for getting online without buying a computer:

• School or Company Computer ” If the company you work for or school you attend has an Internet account, you might be permitted to use the organization's computers to explore the Net (usually within strict guidelines). Locate and speak to a person called the network administrator or system administrator; he or she holds the keys to the computer system and is responsible for telling you whether you may use the system and how and when you're permitted to use it.

• Public Library ” Many public libraries have Internet terminals set up for use by patrons. You may use these terminals to do quick research on the Web or newsgroups. As a rule, you cannot use them for email, because you won't have your own email address, and library machines are never equipped for chat. Even if they were, it's not polite to hog a library PC (as many evil people do) for a long, chatty Internet session.

• Cyber Caf ” In all cool cities, you can find cyber caf s, coffeehouses equipped with Internet-connected computers so patrons can hang out, eat, drink, and surf (see Figure 2.4). Some cyber caf s will let you have an email address, so you can send and receive email. Still, there might not always be a computer available when you need one, and you could probably afford your own computer with what you'll spend on Hawaiian Mocha and scones.

  Figure 2.4. The Web page of a cyber caf .

  

• Copy Shop ” Many full-service print/copy shops , such as Kinko's, also offer Internet terminals for rent at reasonable rates.

In general, the compromises you must make to enjoy these alternatives makes them poor long- term substitutes for having your very own computer and Internet account. However, these are great ways to get a taste of the Net and reap some of its benefits, if you're still trying to make up your mind about the Internet or are still saving up for that new computer.